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New generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs)

Tuesday 29 November 2011

A generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) is an internet domain name extension, such as .com or .net. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the international body responsible for the coordination of the global Domain Name System.

ICANN has developed a new process to allow organisations to operate their own gTLD. This could lead to the introduction of many new gTLDs, not just the familiar .com, .org or .net. There are currently 22 gTLDs, and the new process could expand this to hundreds.

See below for some important points to note regarding new gTLDs, and how they may affect Australian businesses.

How will the introduction of new gTLDs impact my business?

Changes to gTLDs will affect the way people find information on the internet and how businesses plan and structure their online presence.

If you operate a business online, you may find that these changes present a variety of opportunities. More gTLDs may lead to cheaper domain names, enhanced opportunities for business branding, better web services and the introduction of gTLDs in Chinese, Arabic or other scripts.

Conversely, some businesses may need to spend more time and money protecting their trade marks across a broader range of TLDs.

Can I apply for any kind of gTLD or are there any specific restrictions?

Any established entity located anywhere in the world can apply to ICANN to operate a new gTLD Registry. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have the technical ability to establish and operate a Top Level Domain registry.

ICANN has a set of specific rules that apply to all proposed gTLDs. These rules are outlined in the Applicant Guidebook.

What will happen during the application window and how long will it last?

The application window will last for 90 days, from 12 January 2012 to 12 April 2012. Applicants will use a dedicated web-based application named TLD Application System (TAS) to apply, where they will answer questions and upload supporting documents. After the application window, there are several evaluation stages, each with its own estimated duration.

How much will it cost to apply?

There will be a number of fees involved, depending on how intensive the evaluation process is for each application. ICANN has set the base application fee at US$185 000. More detailed cost estimates are provided in ICANN’s Fact Sheet (PDF, 1.15MB).

How long will the evaluation process take?

The evaluation process is expected to last from nine to 20 months. An application might be required to pass through several stages prior to a final decision being made.

What happens after a new gTLD application is approved?

Once an application is deemed to satisfy the Applicant Guidebook criteria, has passed all evaluation, selection and objection processes, and has received final approval, the applicant is required to sign an agreement with ICANN and pass technical pre-delegation tests before the new gTLD can be granted.

How and when can I see which gTLDs are being applied for and who is behind the application?

After the application period closes, ICANN will verify all applications for completeness. Within weeks of applications closing for submission, ICANN will post the public portions of all eligible applications on their website.

How can I object to an application?

After the list of all TLD applications has been published on ICANN’s website, there will be a period of time for third-parties to file a formal objection using dispute resolution procedures. Objections will be administered by independent Dispute Resolution Service Providers (DRSP), rather than by ICANN.

What can I do if someone applies for a gTLD that represents my brand or trade mark?

You can file an objection with the DRSP selected to administer “legal rights” objections. Details about these procedures, such as who has standing, where and how objections are filed, and how much objections will cost can be found in the Applicant Guidebook.